Lewis Hamilton claimed a record 69th pole position in thrilling circumstances ahead of the Italian Grand Prix, prevailing in a thrilling Q3 session which proved to be a fitting climax for a session delayed by over two hours due to heavy rain.
After Romain Grosjean spun out of Q1 the red flag fell for two and a half hours. When the action resumed the rain ceased until worsening ahead of Q3, setting up a grandstand finish. Hamilton snatched the quickest time from the Red Bulls -- set to drop down the order for engine changes -- with the final lap of the day, 1.